House Bill 1311, known as the "Florida Locksmith Services Act," aims to regulate and license locksmith services businesses in Florida by introducing new sections within Chapter 559 of the Florida Statutes. The bill mandates that locksmith businesses obtain licenses from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which will require fingerprinting and background checks for applicants and associated individuals. It outlines qualifications and training for locksmiths, automotive-only locksmiths, and apprentices, while also requiring businesses to maintain liability insurance of at least $100,000 per incident. The legislation prohibits individuals from possessing locksmith tools without proper licensing and establishes penalties for various violations, enhancing the professionalism and accountability of locksmith services in the state.

Additionally, the bill creates the Florida Locksmith Services Advisory Council to assist the Department in implementing the Act and outlines the rulemaking authority for establishing licensing requirements and fee schedules. It preempts local regulations, ensuring that only licensed locksmith businesses can obtain local business tax receipts. The bill also specifies that fees and penalties collected will be deposited into the General Inspection Trust Fund to support the administration of these regulations. The Act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to improve consumer protection and oversight within the locksmith industry.